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| Gay London Guide - An Overview |
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Top I Intro I Magazines I Pubs / Bars I Clubs I Diary I Sex I Restaurants I Shopping I Accom
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| The Directory | |
| A-Z London's Gay Pubs/Bars | A-Z London's Gay Clubs |
Pubs, bars, cafes
There's no attitude whatsoever at Comptons ( 53 Old Compton Street ), one of my favourites in Soho. They've opened the upstairs since last year so now this pub is twice as crowded! They also do lunch ( noon to 6 ).
There's often a line outside 79 CXR ( 79 Charing Cross Road ) where it's literally shoulder to shoulder much of the time. It seems more popular each time I visit London.
Ku Bar ( 75 Charing Cross Road ) is the relatively new arrival practically next door. It's a cafe-bar with an upstairs and a terrace in the front opening onto Charing Cross Road. It's also more quiet than many of the bars and pubs, all the better to chat up your new friends.
The Brief Encounter ( 42 St. Martin's Lane ) is one of the original gay pubs, just off Trafalgar Square; it's done on two levels, and there are lots of cute single guys to choose from.
Two minutes from the Brief, check out Halfway to Heaven ( 7 Duncannon Street ). The carpeting and pub tables give it a typical pub ambiance, but do all English pubs have such cruisy men's rooms?
The fashionable Village Soho ( 81 Wardour Street ) undergoing renovations during my recent tour is usually brimming with handsome, young types. They were there this time, too, though squeezed into a smaller space as part of the bar was closed off. The Yard ( 57 Rupert Street ) is just around the corner. There's a similarly good-looking crowd at this protected back courtyard.
Bar Code ( 3/4 Archer Street ) is another relatively new bar, just around the corner, and it's recently expanded, downstairs, for pool and serious cruising. They're doing something right there!
If you prefer a more European-style cafe-bar ( many of which offer a simple menu in addition to coffees and drinks ) there are plenty to choose from in Soho. The Edge ( 11 Soho Square ) is laid out over three floors and overlooks Soho Square. The crowd is mixed, gay-straight, men-women, and there's dancing after 10 pm on certain nights. You can't miss ( it's right on the corner ), and the clientele often avail themselves of the sidewalk seating out front. Other cafe-bars include Balans ( 60 Old Compton Street ), for years the place on Old Compton Street, where they also do light fare; the cool Freedom Cafe (60 Wardour Street), just around the corner; Cafe Bruno (63 Frith Street) with its next-door bistro; and still in the West End, The Box ( Seven Dials, 32-34 Monmouth Street ), open and airy, with a strong women's following; and Kudos ( 10 Adelaide Street ), with a cute staff and clientele, daily specials, and a cruisy atmosphere ( don't miss the downstairs ).
In Earls Court don't miss The Coleherne ( 261, Old Brompton Road ), one of London's oldest pubs. It's for men, with an emphasis on leather and denim, and a great starting off point for the evening. Later the action shifts to the crowded Bromptons ( 294, Old Brompton Road ) where Londoners and out-of-towners mix on the dance floor. Bromptons is open late. Ditto for Earls/Club 180 ( 180 Earls Court Road ). Earls is the pub, with a no-shit kind of feeling ( you can talk with everyone ), and Club 180 is the downstairs disco, open late.
In Camden Town, The Black Cap ( 171, Camden High Street ) is an oasis in a sea of shopping madness ( the famous Camden Lock and boutiques are but five minutes away ) They've recently renovated and there's a fabulous new rooftop terrace/beer garden. They do frequent drag at the Black Cap, and the Sunday afternoon show is an institution.
For drag and stripper shows most any night in South London, try the Royal Vauxhall Tavern ( 372 Kennington Lane ) though on Fridays it's "Vixens at the Vauxhall," for women only. The Vauxhall also hosts the Sunday evening RAVE party, 7-10:30pm. ( More on the club/party circuit below. )
Central Station ( 37, Wharfdale Road, near Kings Cross ) offers a varied format, including raunchy shows, strippers, and dancing until late ( until 5 am on the weekends ).
Other neighborhood pubs outside central London include The Two Brewers ( 114 Clapham High Street ), reputed to be London's biggest cabaret venue since Terry, formerly of Halfway to Heaven, took over; The Penny Farthing ( 135, King Street ), near Hammersmith tube; The Champion ( Bayswater Road at Ossington ), with a classic pub look; and The Gloucester ( 1, King William Walk ), on one corner of Greenwich Park.
| The Directory | |
| A-Z London's Gay Pubs/Bars | A-Z London's Gay Clubs |
ClubsLondon's club scene is as wild and relentless as one might imagine in Europe's largest city. There really is a late-night thing practically every night of the week. Heaven ( under the arches, off Villiers Street, under Charing Cross Station ), does the "Fruit Machine and Powder Room" on Wednesdays, Garage on Fridays, and Heaven on Saturdays. There's a gorgeous, tripped-out crowd here, and it's a must-visit.
The gigantic Fridge ( Town Hall Parade, in Brixton ), does its well-attended "Love Muscle" on Saturdays. They've opened the Fridge Bar/Cafe ( same address ), with day hours, since last year.
Jeremy Joseph's G.A.Y. ( 157, Charing Cross Road, at the London Astoria 2 ), happens Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The crowd is young, and cute, and the London Astoria 2, a redone theater, is a great space. Just around the corner is the late-night cruise bar, Substation Soho ( Falconberg Court ). Back in Brixton Substation South ( 9, Brighton Terrace ) hosts frequent events like Dirty Dishes and FIST, "Sleaze Pit for Dicks and Clits."
You could dance all weekend long, if you were so-inclined. For five years the weekend highlight has been the Trade party ( at Turnmills, 63b Clerkenwell Road ). It rages every Sunday from 4 am until noon. Check it out! The scene shifts to DT PM ( this year at 16A West Central Street, at The End ) from 6 pm Sunday "until late." Don't forget your stop at the Royal Vauxhall ( previously mentioned ). You'll see plenty of water bottles on this weekend tour.
Clubs and pubs catering to a specialized leather-rubber-fetish clientele are numerous. NB. The London Apprentice /333 Old Street) has now gone straight so don't bother. Try H20 (Old Pond Road) which has a similar crowd. The Anvil (88 Tooley Street) is also having licensing problems and may be now be closed. Backstreet (Wentworth Mews) is London's long-established men-only strictly black leather and rubber only club. The code's enforced, so be forewarned. People wearing rubber camouflage suits have been refused entry here because the suit wasn't black. Check their opening hours.
The time-honored Market Tavern (1 Nine Elms Lane) is for those who like leather and denim, and their friends. Men and women join in the action.
The new arrival amongst this group is The Hoist (Railway Arch 47c, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall-not far from the Market Tavern). Open weekends only, this membership club enforces its leather/rubber/uniform code.
2002 Events Diary
Mardi Gras 2000 - Saturday 6th July 2002. The UK's premier gay and lesbian celebration. Pride Parade through central London followed by Mardi Gras party in Finsbury Park, North London
UK
Male Escort Directory
Restaurants
Other West End eateries I'm familiar with include First Out Cafe ( 52, St-Giles Street ) which claims to be the first gay cafe in the West End ( it features health food ), and the always crowded with beautiful people Comptons Cafe ( 34 Old Compton Street ). They serve satisfying sandwiches and salads here.
In Earls Court La Liberté ( 32, Philbeach Gardens, at the New York Hotel ) features fine French cuisine in an elegant English garden setting.
At Wilde About Oscar ( 30-31, Philbeach Gardens, at the Philbeach Hotel ) the menu features several traditional English items in addition to classic French cuisine, and as at La Liberte there is an intimate ambiance.
The campy Roy's ( 234, Old Brompton Road ) has down-sized and is happily reestablished in the heart of Earls Court. His menu features traditional favourites, and daily specials, and the price is reasonable.
Balans West ( 239, Old Brompton Road ) is the satellite of the West End Balans.
Gay Shopping
In London, everyone, it seems, is making a fashion statement. Leather and rubber are worn commonly. Tattoos are everywhere. Everyone is pierced, and Metal Morphosis ( 10-11, Moor Street, basement, end of Old Compton Street ) is doing much of the piercing. It's hard to keep up with the latest from Boy Soho ( 10-11 Moor Street, street level ), things change so fast! There's a Don't Panic ( 52, Dean Street ), and tons of other gift shops and boutiques.
If you are attracted to rubber then London then great savings are to be found.
A number of shops cater primarily to leather and rubber enthusiasts. Expectations ( 75, Great Eastern Street ) this past year incorporated Detainer Limited into its fold. Selection there is unparalleled. There's an expansion under way, too, at Regulation ( 17A, St.-Albans Place ), where Malcolm presides over a large shop replete with leather, rubber and other vinyl, denim, and secondhand type items.
Another new shop is Prowler as in Prowler Press publishers of Euroboy etc. This new shop is situated right next the Rupert Street Bar.
At Rob London ( 24 Wells Street ) the emphasis is on leather, in the tradition of Rob Amsterdam.
It's a bit of a hike to Invincible Rubber ( 19E, Second Floor, Riley Road ), but it's well worth the effort. This friendly, capable team cater exclusively to the rubber enthusiast.
At Zipperstore ( 283, Camden High Street ) the emphasis is on printed material, with a huge selection of erotic novels. There is some leather and rubber clothing, plus lots of gadgets and novelty items, too, in what is "Britain's only licensed gay store."
Finally, there is Clone Zone ( two locations in London: 64 Old Compton Street, and 266 Old Brompton Road, plus locations in Birmingham, Blackpool, and Manchester ). This chain of gay stores emphasizes fashion variety ( not strictly fetish wear ), and the shops are fun, with friendly staff, funky music, and a feel-good ambiance.
Accommodation - Hotels and Guesthouses 
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Agencies offering travel
services for individuals travelling to London and UK
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Company
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Web
site
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Contact
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Telephone
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Amigos
London
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(0)1372
739915
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London
Holiday Accommodation Bureau
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(0)20
7485 0117
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If you
want to stay at a gay hotel or one that advertises itself as gay friendly,
try:
If you're calling from outside the UK add +44 and drop the 0 from the
beginning of the number. London telephone codes also change in early
April 2000 with 0207 and 0208 replacing 0171 and 0181 respectively.
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| Bromptons | P0 Box 629, London, SW5 9XF | 020 7373 8559 |
| George Hotel | 58-60 Cartwright Gardens, London WC1H 9EL | 020 7387 8777 |
| George Hotel | Templeton Place, London, SW5 | 020 7370 2285 |
| Guy's | 38 Baldry Gardens, London, SW16 | 020 8679 7269 |
| Holland Park Hotel | 6 Ladbroke Terrace, London, W11 | 020 7792 0216 |
| Hotel Halifax | 65 Philbeach Gdns, London, SW5 | 020 7373 4153 |
| Kensington Intl Hotel | 4 Templeton Place, Earl's Court, London, SW5 9LZ | 020 7370 4333 |
| London Appts, Soho | Charing Cross Road | 020 7497 7010 |
| Manor House Hotel | 53, Manor Park, London, SE13 | 020 8318 5590 |
| New York Hotel | 32, Philbeach Gdns, London, SW5 | 020 7244 6884 |
| No 7 Guest House | 7, Josephine Avenue, London, SW2 | 020 8674 1880 |
| Noel Coward Hotel | 111 Ebury Street London SW1 | 020 7730 2094 |
| Oxford Hotel London | 13 Craven Terrace, London W2 3QD | 020 7402 6860 |
| Navigator Inn | 133, King's Cross Road, London, WC1X 9BJ | 020 7837 7779 |
| Philbeach Hotel | 30-31 Philbeach Gardens, London, SW5 | 020 7373 1244 |
| Prince William Hotel | 42-44, Gloucester Terrace; London, W2 | 020 7724 7414 |
| Rainbow Stay | 14 Thornhill Bridge Wharf Islington, N1 ORU | 020 7713 5287 |
| Redcliffe Hotel | 268, Fulham Road, London, SW5 | 020 7823 3494 |
| Reeves Hotel | 48 Shephard's Bush Green, W12 | 020 8740 1158 |
| Riverside Lodge | Limehouse, London E14 |
0207
515 0862
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| Russell Lodge | 20 Little Russell Street, London, WC1 | 020 7430 2489 |
| St James Club | 7, Park Place, London, SW1A | 020 7629 7688 |
Bromptons Guesthouse ( PO Box 629, SW5 9XF, 020 7373 6559, not to be confused with Bromptons Bar ) offers big, comfortable rooms, all with colour TV, some with private bath, plenty of hot water, and friendly, uncomplicated service. It's just minutes by foot from the tube.
The New York Hotel ( 32 Philbeach Gardens, 020 7244 6884 ) is "London's luxury gay hotel." The accommodations are deluxe and reservations are a must. In addition to the attached La Liberte Restaurant, previously mentioned, facilities here include Jacuzzi and sauna.
Another luxury facility long-popular with Americans is the Redcliffe Hotel ( 268, Fulham Road, 020 7823 3494 ). It has changed hands since last year and the associated bar, Manhattans, is no longer gay.
The world-renowned and very cruisy Philbeach Hotel ( 30-31 Philbeach Gardens, 020 7373 1244 ) is one of my favourites. It is unique in the world! The staff are friendly, and the price is right.
In Soho, choices include Russell Lodge Guest House ( 20, Little Russell, 020 7430 2489 ) and the Clone Zone Apartments ( 64, Old Compton Street, 020 7287 3530 ). Russell Lodge offers rooms of differing quality, from modest to more luxurious; its location is a great asset. They have recently acquired a self-contained apartment near the Leicester Square tube, and it sounds like a great deal. Likewise the Clone Zone Apartments, which are "fully fitted," and, well, who wouldn't like his or her own apartment in London?! Clone Zone have apartments in Manchester, too (0161 236 1398).
In Brixton, racially mixed and very gay, there's the Number Seven Guest House (7 Josephine Avenue, 020 8674 1880). It's clean, comfortable, and run by Paul and John who are active members of the scene and a great source of information for the newcomer.The guest house has also been voted best guest house in several gay magazines.
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London
Hostel Accommodation
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London Hostel Accommodation Those people seeking short term budget accommodation in London might want to consider Spencer's Hostel. Spencer's is a gay men's hostel with 2 properties sleeping 40 people. This includes Breakfast/clean bedding/washing machine/telephone/Kitchen & all home comforts. Weekly rates available. Located in Hendon Central only 20 minutes from Central London via the Northern Line tube.Visit our web site |
| Spencer's Hostel |
25
Northway Court Green Avenue, Mill Hill, |
020 8959 3661 |
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UK
Gay Phone Chat - Call: 0906 306 2247 now
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